As billions of people across the globe prepare to welcome 2026, WhatsApp has said that New Year’s Eve continues to be its busiest day of the year, consistently setting new engagement records. The platform notes that the 24-hour celebration window often surpasses its already massive daily traffic of over 100 billion messages and nearly 2 billion calls, as users connect with friends, family and loved ones across time zones.

According to a WhatsApp Blog post, the surge in activity around New Year’s reflects how the platform has become a central space for personal celebrations, especially for those separated by distance. To mark the festive rush this year, WhatsApp has rolled out a set of limited-period updates designed to make conversations more expressive and celebratory.

Among the new additions is a special 2026 sticker pack, along with video call effects featuring fireworks, confetti and star animations. Users can also trigger animated confetti reactions using select emojis. In a first for the platform, animated stickers are being introduced to Status updates, giving users new ways to share New Year greetings through customised layouts and visuals.

Beyond festive messaging, WhatsApp is also highlighting its in-app tools to help users plan and manage celebrations more efficiently. Group chats can now be used to create and pin events, collect RSVPs, and run polls to decide on food, venues or activities. Live location sharing continues to play a key role, allowing guests to navigate to party locations or confirm safe arrivals home, while voice and video notes remain popular for sharing moments with those who cannot attend in person.

From New York and New Delhi to Buenos Aires and Jakarta, WhatsApp says it remains a trusted hub for private and secure communication during moments that matter. As the world steps into the new year, the platform continues to bring people closer, helping them celebrate together despite physical distances.